Battery Module Pressure Relief Cap for Runaway Gas Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tightly packed battery modules with environmentally sealed cells face pressure buildup during runaway events, which can cause damage to internal components if not properly vented.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief cap with a body featuring a base portion and orthogonally extending circular projections, coupled to a base plate via interference and friction fits, disengages at a pressure threshold to vent internal pressure through a through-opening in the base plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery cells are tightly packed and environmentally sealed within the battery module, then space utilization is improved and protection against debris and fluids is enhanced, but pressure buildup during runaway events causes damage to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief cap is extracted as a separate removable component from the sealed battery module housing. It couples to the base plate through friction and interference fits, allowing it to be firmly attached during normal operation but easily dislodged when pressure exceeds the retention force. This extraction approach enables the sealed module to vent pressure without compromising the integrity of the main housing or requiring permanent openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief cap utilizes parameter changes in the coupling mechanism between the cap and base plate. The friction fit and interference fit create a retention force that holds the cap in place under normal pressure conditions. When internal pressure exceeds a threshold, the force exceeds the retention force, causing the cap to disengage and vent pressure. This parameter-based approach allows the same coupling structure to provide both sealing and pressure relief functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a pressure relief component is added to vent pressure during runaway events, then damage from pressure buildup is prevented, but the sealing integrity and structural complexity of the battery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief cap merges multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both a sealing element (forming a fluid-tight seal with the base plate during normal operation) and a pressure relief device (venting pressure when force exceeds retention). The cap integrates the sealing surface, the pressure-sensing mechanism, and the venting aperture into one unified part, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief cap is a self-actuating device that automatically responds to pressure conditions without external control. The coupling force between the cap and base plate serves as both the sealing mechanism and the pressure threshold sensor. When internal pressure exceeds the retention force of the friction and interference fits, the cap self-disengages and vents pressure without requiring external actuation or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the pressure relief cap uses interference fit and friction fit coupling, then sealing integrity is maintained, but the force required to disengage the cap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism utilizes parameter changes in force magnitude to achieve different functions. The friction fit and interference fit create a baseline retention force that maintains sealing integrity during normal operation. When internal pressure generates a force exceeding this retention threshold, the cap disengages. The same physical coupling structure thus provides both strong sealing under low force conditions and automatic release under high force conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents damage to the battery module and surrounding components by safely releasing internal pressure during a runaway event, effectively managing gas release and preventing rupture.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure relief cap is adapted to disengage from the base plate upon an internal pressure within the battery module exceeding a pressure threshold
Implementation Method 2
coupled to a base plate via interference and friction fits
Implementation Method 3
coupled to a base plate via interference and friction fits
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief cap for a battery module includes a body. The body includes a base portion defining a first thickness. The body also includes a first circular projection defining a second thickness that is lesser than the first thickness of the base portion. The first circular projection extends orthogonally from the base portion. The body further includes a second circular projection extending orthogonally from the base portion. The second circular projection is concentric with the first circular projection.